Latest news with #Algeria
Zawya
5 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
European Union maintains vital support for World Food Programme (WFP)'s lifesaving assistance in Algeria
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to Sahrawi refugees in Algeria through sustained funding for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), enabling the delivery of vital food assistance to over 133,000 vulnerable people each month. This month marks the second year of the multi-year partnership that provides €5 million annually to address one of the world's most protracted refugee crises. In the remote desert camps near Tindouf, where Sahrawi refugees have lived since 1975, WFP's assistance remains a lifeline. More than 80 percent of the population relies entirely on humanitarian aid to meet their basic food needs. Through its partnership with the Algerian Red Crescent, WFP distributes monthly food rations tailored to nutritional needs, while increasingly prioritising programmes, including Social Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives, addressing malnutrition among children and pregnant women and promoting better nutrition practices. "We are deeply grateful to the European Union for their unwavering support and commitment to the Sahrawi refugees," said Aline Rumonge, WFP Representative and Country Director in Algeria. "This strong and reliable partnership provides the sustained funding we need to deliver life-saving assistance while improving the effectiveness of our operations in the camps.' In 2024, WFP provided nearly 19,000 metric tons of food and reached 8,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women with monthly cash-based transfers to improve dietary diversity and reduce the risk of anaemia. In addition, WFP distributed specialised nutritious food to prevent and treat moderate acute malnutrition among children under five. The EU has been a cornerstone donor for WFP's operations in Algeria, contributing €102 million (US$123.4 million) since 2003. With needs persisting and global attention waning, this enduring partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensure Sahrawi refugees are not forgotten. WFP has supported the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria since 1986. WFP's operations in the country are carried out and monitored in collaboration with national and international organizations to ensure food assistance reaches the people for whom it is intended. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
Russia Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Morocco ready to resolve ‘issues' with neighbor
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has expressed readiness for a 'frank and responsible dialogue' with Algeria to help resolve longstanding disputes between the North African neighbors, which he said share deep historical and cultural ties. The King made the remarks in a speech on Tuesday marking the 26th anniversary of his coronation, which focused on national development commitments and strengthening regional ties. 'I have always reached out to our brothers in Algeria and said Morocco was ready for frank, responsible, fraternal and sincere dialogue on the various issues pending between the two countries,' he said. Relations between Algeria and Morocco have been strained for decades over Rabat's claim to Western Sahara, which it annexed after Spain withdrew in 1975. Morocco controls about 80% of the territory, while the Algerian-backed Polisario Front seeks full independence and a UN-backed referendum on sovereignty. Algiers considers Rabat's claims an occupation of the sparsely populated region, but Morocco has ruled out a referendum on independence for the Sahrawi people who live there. Morocco's head of state added that he was 'proud of the growing international support' for an autonomy plan his government has been pushing since 2007. The US, Israel, France, Portugal, and the UK have endorsed the proposal as the only viable route to resolving the territorial dispute. 'As proud as I am of these stances, which uphold right and legitimacy, I keenly look forward, as well, to finding a consensual solution – a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties,' the Moroccan leader said. The King reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Arab Maghreb Union, which has remained largely inactive for decades due to strained ties with Algiers. The five-member economic and political group, established in 1989, includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania. 'I firmly believe that it cannot exist without the involvement of Morocco and Algeria, alongside the remaining sister countries concerned,' he stated.
Al Bawaba
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Miss Algeria gets married at church, sparks backlash — did she leave Islam?
ALBAWABA - Social media platforms were flooded with photos and videos of Miss Algeria's wedding, with loads of questions and controversy surrounding the place she got married in. According to activists and fans, former Miss Algeria Chanez Belaid got married inside a church in Lebanon, despite the fact that she is Muslim and raising questions about whether she left Islam and converted to Christianity. Chanez Belaid appeared wearing a white wedding dress at a traditional Christian ceremony, raising widespread questions about her faith, considering that she married a Lebanese Christian businessman. Former Miss Algeria Chanez Belaid and her husband. (Instagram) How did ex-Miss Algeria respond to the backlash? Facing a torrent of rumors, former Miss Algeria broke her silence with brief posts on her official accounts, affirming that she remains a Muslim and that her marriage does not change her religious faith. She also called for respect for her privacy and urged people not to judge her or interfere in her personal life. It is worth noting that Chanez Belaid is one of the most prominent young female figures in Algeria. She previously won the title of Miss Arab Tourism and enjoys a wide following on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where she has over 1.2 million followers. Belaid is known for her diverse content that combines fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia: Tabarka - Ain Draham, unique destination combining recreational tourism
Tunis – Nineteen sports clubs from Tunisia and abroad, notably from Algeria, have seized the opportunity offered by the natural beauty and clean air of the Tabarka–Aïn Draham region to hold training camps. This growing trend is establishing the area as a prime destination for sports tourism, driven by improved infrastructure and the accessibility of the Tabarka Airport. While sports tourism is a special type of tourism with many requirements, including the availability of sports infrastructure and stadiums, and combines recreation with capacity building, another type of tourist, whether Tunisian or Algerian, often travels to this region in the summer. This rising interest finds expression in the growing number of visitors to accommodation establishments in Jendouba governorate. Between January 1 and July 20, 2025, arrivals were up by 5.6%, alongside improved activity at the region's three border crossings with Algeria. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, 115,216 tourists stayed in the region's accommodation facilities during this period, compared with 109,135 the previous year. The number of overnight stays rose by 9.3%, reaching 223,509, up from 204,420 in 2024. Domestic tourism ranked first in terms of both arrivals and overnight stays, followed closely by the Algerian market. Authorities attribute this positive trend to the region's numerous assets: high-quality sports centres, ecological and environmental diversity, cultural and historical heritage, therapeutic spas, and diving centres. The Ministry of Tourism, through the Regional Tourism Office in Tabarka-Ain Draham, is working to monitor the various components of the tourism product and to intensify the supervision of tourism establishments to ensure that they comply with the standards required in the tourism sector. Investment between Achievements and Intentions A four-star hotel with a capacity of 134 beds and an estimated cost of TND 7 million was built, creating 45 permanent jobs. A three-star hotel in Beni Mtir, partially opened and equipped with a therapeutic centre, was built at a cost of TND 16 million and will employ 25 people full-time. Construction is also progressing on a five-star hotel in Aïn Draham, with a capacity of 100 beds. The project, currently 75% complete and expected to open by the end of 2025, is worth TND 22 million and will provide 32 permanent jobs. Jendouba boasts numerous other resorts and lodges still under construction, with progress exceeding 70% in some cases. Investors plan to inject nearly TND 1 billion into the region between 2026 and 2030, in a bid to establishing internationally branded hotels and entertainment projects. Development of activity at Melloula, Babouch, and Jellil The three land border crossings in the governorate of Jendouba, Melloula in Tabarka, Babouch in Aïn Draham, and Jellil in Ghardimaou, have seen increased activity during this period, while indicators continue to confirm a rise in demand with the peak of the season. Official statistics show that from January 1 to June 10, 2025, some 460,957 Algerian tourists entered Tunisia, up 7.64% compared with 428,213 during the same period in 2024. However, entries via the Melloula border post were down by 5.34%, totalling 285,091 Algerian visitors. In contrast, Babouch recorded a 24.04% increase with over 120,000 arrivals, and Jellil saw an impressive 85.73% surge. This uptick is boosting the regional economy, particularly traditional crafts and tourism transport. The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, is endeavouring to improve service quality across all border posts. A Hub for Sports Camps Thanks to its breathtaking nature, mountainous landscapes, pristine beaches, mild climate, and robust infrastructure, Tabarka–Aïn Draham has become one of the most sought-after sports training destinations in the region and beyond. Human and material resources invested by relevant authorities have transformed the area's international sports centres into some of the world's finest training sites, opening new prospects for sports tourism in Tunisia. The Ministry of Tourism considers sports tourism a strategic priority, not just an opportunity. It enhances Tunisia's global image and contributes significantly to the local economy. Currently, several national and international teams are holding pre-season training camps in Tabarka, Aïn Draham, and Hammam Bourguiba ahead of the 2025–2026 sports season. They are the Algerian and Qatari athletics teams, the Mauritanian national football team, Club Africain, CS Sfaxien, Étoile du Sahel, Stade Tunisien, US Métlaoui, Jeunesse d'El Omrane, and CA Bizertin. Renowned clubs such as Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Al Ahly of Egypt, MC Alger, CS Constantine, CR Belouizdad, Al Khour from Qatar, JS Kabylie, and ES Sétif have also chosen the region for their camps. The Regional Tourism Delegation of Tabarka–Aïn Draham, in collaboration with the local sports complex, ensures smooth coordination and support for these teams, reinforcing sports tourism as a strong pillar of the local tourism strategy. The Ministry is also actively promoting Tunisia as a year-round sports training destination to teams from neighbouring and Arab countries across all disciplines. Tabarka–Aïn Draham Airport: Resuming International Activity On June 16, 2025, Tabarka Airport welcomed its first non-scheduled international flight of the summer season, a charter from Bologna carrying 189 tourists. The tour operator 'Ryan Bau' has scheduled one flight per week to the region through October 2025. The resumption of international flights aligns with the summer season, aiming to revitalise tourism and enhance the Tabarka–Aïn Draham appeal as a competitive global destination. Data indicates that seven non-scheduled flights brought in 1,242 tourists and facilitated the departure of 1,029, contributing to 8,694 overnight stays. With its unique natural and cultural assets, Tabarka–Aïn Draham stands out as a promising alternative to traditional coastal tourism in north-western Tunisia. The region now awaits greater investment in infrastructure and the implementation of high-quality tourism projects to unlock its full potential. © Tap 2025 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Malay Mail
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Christopher Nolan under fire over Western Sahara shoot in film starring Matt Damon and Zendaya
TUNIS, July 31 — The Sahara International Film Festival has called on director Christopher Nolan to exclude scenes filmed in Western Sahara from his upcoming movie, citing concerns over shooting in the disputed territory. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been largely controlled by Morocco since 1975 but is considered a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations. Morocco has long been in conflict with the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the Sahrawi people. 'We're calling on Nolan to stand in solidarity with the Sahrawi people,' said Maria Carrion, executive director of FiSahara, which takes place in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria. She told AFP the director's decision to shoot in the region 'legitimises the occupation and furthers colonialism'. Nolan, who won an Oscar for Oppenheimer, reportedly filmed scenes for his 2026 release The Odyssey near the coastal city of Dakhla. The cast includes Matt Damon and Zendaya. 'We felt that Nolan being there shooting on a sand dune — when there are so many sand dunes in the world that he could have chosen that are not in occupied territories — was legitimising the occupation and furthering colonialism in Western Sahara,' Carrion said. Moroccan Culture Minister Mehdi Bensaid was quoted by local outlet Medias24 as saying the production would boost Dakhla's profile 'as a filming destination, and not just a tourist destination'. But Carrion said FiSahara was urging the director 'not to use any of that footage in his film, because he did not get consent from Sahrawis'. 'He got consent from an occupying power, which is not real consent,' she added. Carrion said the festival believed Nolan and his team were not 'correctly informed' about the region's disputed nature. In 2020, the United States backed Morocco's proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara in exchange for Rabat's normalisation of ties with Israel. The Polisario Front maintains demands to hold a self-determination referendum. — AFP
